Church of God News

Smoky Mountain Jubilee Set for April 9-11, 2013

Church of God USA Missions has announced the dates and personality lineup for the 2013 Smoky Mountain Jubilee, April 9-11, 2013 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The Jubilee is an annual retreat for seniors and provides fellowship, fun, worship, and interaction for senior adults from around the nation. The Jubilee will begin on Tuesday, April 9 at 6:00 p.m. with a concert by Gospel pianist/singer Gordon Mote. Born blind, Gordon grew up in the Church of God in Alabama, and was among the first blind students to “mainstream” into the public schools, graduating with honors.

He graduated Cum Laude from Belmont University with a degree in music and reportedly has been studio pianist on more Nashville recording sessions than any piano artist in Music City history. In addition to regular studio work, Gordon performs 150 solo concerts each year and has traveled and played with the Gaither Homecoming Tour and with the Grammy Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band. He has shared the stage with such legendary performers as Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner, Allen Jackson, and Rascal Flatts.

On Wednesday, April 10, seniors will compete in the annual Senior Adult Talent Competition where they will vie for honors in all categories of musical and vocal performance, creative writing, and art with winners to be announced during the closing session on Thursday morning, April 11.

The 6:00 p.m. Wednesday night service features an old-time Camp Meeting format with praise and worship and a joint choir to be composed of the choirs that compete in Wednesday’s choir competition, along with special music by Reverend David Beatty, who is first-cousin to legendary rocker Jerry Lee Lewis, country artist Mickey Gilley, and Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart.

The message on Wednesday night will be from Dr. Mark L. Williams, General Overseer of the Church of God. Known as a master memorizer of Scripture and a dynamic preacher of the gospel, Bishop William’s message will be the capstone of a great seniors conference.

Registration information is available at www.usamissions.com or by contacting the office of Dr. James E. Cossey, Administrative Coordinator of USA MISSIONS at 423.478.7103.